Chicago Blackhawks
Why Dach Was Loaned to WJC and Blackhawks One Rule For Staying
There’s a reason the Chicago Blackhawks let Kirby Dach join Team Canada, but they have a rule about him getting to stay.
As the official rosters for the World Junior Championships are released and fans, media, along with everyone else reacts to who was included and who was not, we’re learning there are sound reasons behind some of the decisions being made by NHL clubs. This includes the Chicago Blackhawks.
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Friday morning, Hockey Canada released its final roster for the 2020-21 World Junior Championships. As expected, Kirby Dach, the Blackhawks 2019 third overall NHL draft pick, was officially announced as having made the team.
The Blackhawks have told Hockey Canada that they can keep Dach as long they need to, under the assumption he won’t miss any regular season games. If the tournament overlaps the start of an NHL season, it is presumed Dach will be sent back to the Chicago organization in time to join the team.
Part of the reason Dach was allowed to play, whereas a player like Nick Robertson was ruled out for Team USA on Saturday, was that Dach is guaranteed a roster spot with the Blackhawks. Unfortunately for Roberston, he still has to work for his supper and earn his spot on the Maple Leafs roster this season. Because Dach has his slot already secured in Chicago and there’s no reason he won’t be on the team, the Blackhawks were good with him getting into some competitive hockey action and practicing so that he’d be fresh for the NHL season.
Dach’s Involvement Shouldn’t Be An Issue
With the NHL season pegged to start on January 13 and the World Juniors tournament scheduled to be over by January 5, Dach should be good to play in both, even if Canada wins the entire thing. The Blackhawks understand that Dach could miss some or all of training camp but they’re alright with that. The trade off is worth it.
As for the rest of the team, Dach is pretty much the only player guaranteed to be playing in the NHL next season.
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